Computer Screens & Insomnia

Some medical studies indicate a link between computer usage and insomnia.

We've all been there--tossing and turning late into the night, unable to fall asleep. Medical science links a number of potential contributors to insomnia, including caffeine and other stimulants, stress and lack of physical exertion during the day. However, there may soon be a new addition to the list of established insomnia triggers--the machine you are staring at right now.

Continuous Computer Work Study

A three-year study that tracked the work and sleep habits of 25,000 clerks in Japan showed a strong link between working on a computer for five or more hours a day and mental illnesses, including insomnia and depression. The study, published in the "American Journal of Industrial Medicine" noted that spending such long hours at the computer may lead to a sense of isolation which may trigger mental and sleep disorders.

Nighttime Computer Use

Other research indicates a connection between nighttime computer use and sleep disturbances. Results of a 2003 study published in the "Journal of Applied Physiology" showed that time spent looking at a bright display such as a computer or TV screen during the evening can interfere with the body's biological clock, which associates darkness with sleep. Additionally, the study indicated that certain types of stimulating computer activity before bedtime, such as playing video games, may over-excite the brain, also affecting the body's biological processes involved in sleep.

Solutions

To minimize your risk of electronics-induced insomnia, some doctors recommend cutting down usage of computers, TV and other bright electronic devices, particularly before bedtime. Some retailers even sell special filters to minimize the bright light put off by computer and TV screens, and there is also a free downloadable program called F.lux that automatically dims the hues of your computer screen after the sun sets. However, while some anecdotal evidence supports the effectiveness of these devices in warding off insomnia, their scientific basis has yet to be established.

References

• "The Times of India": Continuous Computer Work Causes Insomnia: Study
• WebMD: Nighttime Computer Users May Lose Sleep
• CNN: Trouble Sleeping? Maybe it's your iPad